Basic Details
Word: Tit-for-tat
Part of Speech: Phrase
Meaning: A situation where one person responds to an action with a similar action, often in a reciprocal way.
Synonyms: Reciprocity, retaliation
Antonyms: Forgiveness, leniency
Idioms and Phrases
- Fight fire with fire: Responding to a problem with the same tactics used against you. Example: "When the bullies targeted him, he decided to fight fire with fire and stood up to them."
- An eye for an eye: The principle of taking revenge as a way to respond to wrongdoing. Example: "He believes in an eye for an eye when it comes to fair play in competitions."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In their games, the friends always play tit-for-tat, matching each other's clever moves.
Example 2: The two companies began a tit-for-tat rivalry, each trying to outdo the other with their advertising campaigns.
Example 3: When one student played a prank, the rest quickly followed with a tit-for-tat response.
Fun Fact
The phrase "tit-for-tat" originated in the late 16th century and is thought to come from "tip for tap," which means "a blow for a blow." It reflects the idea of mutual exchange.
Famous Quote
"To take revenge on the oppressor, the oppressed must use tit-for-tat strategy." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tit-for-tat" mean?
a) An expensive item
b) A reciprocal action or response
c) A type of game
d) A kind of friendship
Answer: b) A reciprocal action or response
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tit-for-tat"?
a) Forgiveness
b) Reciprocity
c) Compromise
d) Kindness
Answer: b) Reciprocity
3. Which word is an antonym of "tit-for-tat"?
a) Revenge
b) Cooperation
c) Retaliation
d) Ambush
Answer: b) Cooperation
4. Which sentence uses "tit-for-tat" correctly?
a) They formed a tit-for-tat after the meal.
b) He shared his toys, expecting a tit-for-tat in return.
c) The tree grew taller after a tit-for-tat.
d) She decided to stop playing after a tit-for-tat.
Answer: b) He shared his toys, expecting a tit-for-tat in return.
5. Which idiom means something similar to "tit-for-tat"?
a) Fight fire with fire
b) In the same boat
c) Break the ice
d) Jump the gun
Answer: a) Fight fire with fire
